[Coco] RGB-DOS & Ken-Ton SCSI (Correct Spelling)

[Robert Gault]

Chris Spry wrote:

> Been trying some other things on it with no success, even your suggestions.
> I even tried turning the system on with no HD attached and it still sits
> there.  When I take the Ken-Ton controller out it returns with a no hard
> drive found message, but when I plug it in (with power turned off of
> course),  it'll just sit there and do nothing until I reset.  Does it matter
> what slot I have the modified FD-502 and the Ken-Ton controller in?  If so,
> which ones do I use?  I am currently using a CoCo 3 modified 26-3124 MPI for
> this config and the FD-502 is in Slot 4 with the 4 switch active and the
> Ken-Ton in slot 3 (I've tried it in 2 and 1 with no luck as well).
> 
> -Chris
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bruce Calkins" <bcalkins at disaster-relief.net>
> To: "CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts" <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Sent: Friday, December 12, 2003 6:11 PM
> Subject: Re: [Coco] RGB-DOS & KenTron SCSI
> 
> 
> 
>>There is a utility on the RGB-DOS disk to check hard drive parameters,
> 
> park
> 
>>and initialize.  That might yield some clues.
>>
>>Bruce W.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>Hey guys,
>>>
>>>I just picked up a KenTron SCSI Hard Drive Controller and RGB-DOS
>>
>>recently.
>>
>>>I got an FD-502 controller with an altered ROM for RGB-DOS burned in
>>
>>there,
>>
>>>so when I turn on the system it automatically goes searching for a hard
>>>drive.  I hooked up an Apple 500MB SCSI Hard Drive (Quantum ProDrive) to
>>
>>it
>>
>>>inside of a SCSI Case.    The SCSI cable hooked to it is the one
>>>specifically designed to be used with the KenTron to the SCSI drive
>>
>>(Doesn't
>>
>>>use the middle pins on the SCSI drive).  When I turn on the system it
>>
>>hangs
>>
>>>looking for a hard drive. I have to reset the CoCo 3 to be able to use
> 
> it.
> 
>>>I tried loading the format command to try to format the HD for use, but
>>
>>when
>>
>>>I go through and answer the questions and then goes to format it just
>>
>>hangs
>>
>>>there too.  Does anybody have any experience with this system and could
>>
>>help
>>
>>>me out?  Thanks.
>>>
>>>-Chris
>>
>>
>>-- 
>>Coco mailing list
>>Coco at maltedmedia.com
>>http://five.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/coco
> 
> 
> 
It does not matter which MPI slot the Ken-Ton interface is in. Some 
RGB-DOS versions would indefinitely loop with a hard drive connected but 
powered off. That would mimic your systems behavior.

When you flip the cable, you "disconnect" the drive controller from the 
Ken-Ton interface, and there is no infinite loop as the drive controller 
is not seen.

It looks to me that there is a problem with the drive. Either it is 
scsi2 instead of scsi1 or something that acts like damage for the 
Ken-Ton interface.